the thespian...

I have been floating a concept about a reality show based on the comings & goings of the patrons at the LaSolana pool. Today I shared the idea with Ace.

"Ace, they tell me you are the guy I am looking for. Do you know much about a blog?" 

A number of pleasant people frequent the pool...Arthur (Ace) Dasher is one of them. His background spans over fifty years in the film/television industry.

"I know a little about blogs," he says with a curious look, "Why? What's up?"

"Bare with me for a minute while I give you the rundown," I always ask for extended patience before I start a pitch; or a rant. "Ace, I have been writing a blog called the village idiot of Las Vegas for a number of years. If you check it out I am sure you will like it. Everyone who reads it tells me such. Now I'll be honest with you; I would like to see my writing come to life in some sort of reality production. The premise of the show would revolve around the comings & goings of the old people at the pool."

I stop talking & wait for his response.

"Hmmm," is always the initial response when I first pitch the idea to people, "Let me get this straight. You want to recruit the old people here & have them help you in a reality show?"

"Yep," is my immediate answer.

"Hmm," he says again while scratching his chin, "That is a very interesting concept. Have you written a script? How would you format it?"

"I'm working on a script right now Ace. All the filming would be done at the LaSolana pool. Thus keeping the cast in a familiar setting. The goal of this venture is simple. Thirty minutes of quality humor professionally edited in order to present a prospective show runner."

"How far along are you with the script?"

"It's getting there," is my answer, "The thing I'm asking from you right now is to spend a little time reading my blog. Give me a professional take on whether you think I have the writing 'chops' to support my idea. I need to hear a professional's opinion on the matter."

A few days after our initial conversation I run into Ace at the pool again:

"I enjoyed your blog. You have some real talent."

"I appreciate the compliment Ace. I really do."

"How long have you been writing?"

"Off & on for ten years."

"It's good stuff," he says with a smile, "What is the deal with this Roy guy?"

He is referencing a character from the blog.

"He's a buddy of mine from Kansas who doesn't know any better."

"How old is this clown?"

"Roy is my age; or close to it."

"This guy sounds like a real tool."

"He is," I say with a laugh, "He's the biggest tool you'll ever meet."

I ask if he can envision what we discussed a few days earlier.

"I can with a few caveats."

"Like what?"

"Backstories for everyone. The audience has to connect from every angle. Do you have a lock down solid script as well?"

"Backstories are easy," is my first response, "The script is taking some effort; nothing I can't figure out though."

The conversation shifts to his acting career.

"I honed a lot of the craft under the tutelage of Stella Adler. The first thing she would tell people is, 'If you can see it; you can do it."

"I can definitely see it Ace. That much is for sure." 

"I can see it to pal," is his enthusiastic response, "You still have to come up with a viable script. When can you have it?"

"Soon Ace," is my immediate response.

"Who do you have in mind for the cast? What about production?"

"I've chatted with several patrons of the pool & they have agreed to participate. The production part is still up in the air."